Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen has been praised for his generosity after providing significant financial support to the rehabilitation of Nigerian U-20 star Janet Semenya following the serious injury she sustained earlier this year.
Semenya, who recently completed a move to Portuguese giants Benfica, revealed that the Super Eagles forward played a crucial role in her recovery by donating millions of naira to support her medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The talented youngster suffered a horrific ankle dislocation during the first half of Nigeria’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying first-leg match against Algeria in Abeokuta in February. Despite the setback, Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
The injury came at a particularly painful time for Semenya, who was on the verge of signing a three-year contract with Spanish club Barcelona. According to sources close to the player, her agent and manager, Tobi Peters, had already travelled to Barcelona and concluded negotiations before the unfortunate injury derailed the proposed transfer.
Following the injury, Semenya was flown to Portugal to begin an intensive rehabilitation programme. Before her departure, Osimhen reportedly stepped in with substantial financial assistance, ensuring that the promising midfielder received the best possible care during her recovery.
Expressing her gratitude, Semenya described Osimhen as an inspiration despite never having met him personally.
“I want to thank Uncle Victor. I have never met him before, but my manager, Tobi Peters, is very close to him and has always spoken highly of him. He always tells me that Victor is an amazing person and encourages me to play with the same determination, emulate his work ethic, and learn by watching his games.
“My move to Benfica is dedicated to him and to every young female footballer who dreams of playing at the highest level. His support gave me hope during one of the most difficult periods of my career, and I will always be grateful.”
Semenya’s successful move to Benfica marks a remarkable comeback after months of rehabilitation and serves as a testament to her resilience, determination, and the timely support she received from one of Nigeria’s biggest football stars.